Are you allowed to adjust the FPA from the published FPA for a non-precision approach? e.g. some aircraft types in our fleet are allowed to adjust their FPA +/- within certain limits (-3.5 as a max), our Airbus SOPs don't allow us to do this.
Are you allowed to start your FPA descent 0.3NM prior to the FAF? Are other aircraft at your company allowed to do this? I can't understand why Airbus gets a "let" on this.
FCOM PRO NOR SOP 18-C. Approach using FPA guidance.
TRK FPA pb (Bird)...................................................... ...................SELECT
FPA FOR FINAL APPROACH.................................................... ...............SET
At 0.3 nm from the Final Descent Point: FPA .................................PULL
FPA MODE........................................................ ..............CHECK ENGAGED
‐ Check NAV FPA, TRK FPA or LOC FPA is engaged.
POSITION/
FLIGHT PATH ................................MONITOR/
ADJUST
GO AROUND ALTITUDE.................................................... ......................SET
FCTM NO-130 NPA, FINAL APP-SELECTED.
For a selected approach, the Final Path Angle (FPA) should be preset on the FCU 1 NM prior to the the point where the final descent starts at the latest. A smooth interception of the final approach path can be achieved by pulling the FPA selector 0.3 NM prior to the point where the final descent starts
Anyone care to comment on whether their company SOPs have them adjust the non-precision approach FPA to account for cold weather? We have a table to make an adjustment...
FCTM NO-130 Cold weather operations.-
For all Non Precision Approaches, there is a minimum OAT. Below this temperature, the error on the barometric altitude is no longer acceptable, and altitude should be corrected in temperature. As it is not authorized to make these altitude corrections to the final approach segment of the FM Flight Plan (F-PLN) through the MCDU, it is not possible to use FINAL APP when OAT is below this minimum OAT. The flight crew must then use selected vertical guidance. This minimum OAT is indicated on the approach chart or must be defined by the operator based on the terrain profile (plus adequate margin). For more information on approach in cold weather, Refer to FCTM SI-010 Cold Weather Operations and Icing Conditions
Are you allowed to have your tray tables open for t/o and landing? or is this my company's rigid thinking, I don'
In the FCOM PRO NOR SOP you can read before take off and landing phases, Sliding table.....stow.